It is said to combine the elegance of a sedan, the flexibility of a fastback, and the versatility of an SUV. Could such a combination exist? However, in the world of electrification, breaking the norm is entirely possible. The pure electric vehicle ES90 by Volvo Cars is the main character.
Volvo Cars unveiled the next-generation pure electric flagship, Volvo ES90, which combines Scandinavian design and smart technology, for the first time in the world in Stockholm on the 5th local time.
The ES90 is a new concept model that combines the elegance of a sedan, the flexibility of a fastback, and the spacious interior and high ground clearance of an SUV. It was born as a unique presence that simultaneously provides comfortable ride quality and space efficiency to support various daily life. It symbolizes an important milestone that accelerates the electrification transition by expanding Volvo's next-generation pure electric flagship lineup following the pure electric SUV, EX90.
In particular, to ensure that performance and user experience can continuously improve over time, it is equipped with the brand's first "dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin," achieving eight times improved core computing performance compared to the transfer generation. Additionally, the brand adopts 800-volt technology for the first time, allowing it to travel up to 700 km on a single charge (WLTP standard). With 350 kW ultra-fast charging, it provides fast charging performance that can secure 300 km of driving range in just 10 minutes.
It is equipped with advanced sensor systems consisting of one LiDAR, five RADARs, seven cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors, as well as innovative safety technologies such as the Driver Understanding System installed inside the vehicle.
Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan noted, "The ES90 is a model that combines our most advanced technology with Scandinavian design and ultimate comfort, embodying Volvo's true premium value that enhances the quality of life for customers," and he introduced, "In the future, it will position itself as one of the next-generation flagship lineups alongside the EX90, reinforcing our leadership in the 'software-defined vehicle (SDV)' industry utilizing the power of core computing."
The most prominent feature of the ES90 revealed from the exterior is its confidently original design, high ground clearance, and smooth roofline. This offers the driver excellent visibility while creating a balance between elegant design and space in the interior, contributing to improved aerodynamic performance and enhanced overall efficiency and driving range.
The front inherits the modern design of Volvo's symbol 'Thor's Hammer' headlight design. The rear features newly applied C-shaped LED rear lamps and rear window lamps, creating original welcome and farewell light sequences. Additionally, it offers seven exterior colors and four wheel options ranging from 20 inches to 22 inches, allowing for combinations that reflect personal individuality.
Designed with a wide and large tailgate hatch to easily load luggage for travel or recreational activities, the trunk space can expand up to 733 liters by folding the second-row seats, with a maximum capacity of 424 liters. Additionally, it features a 22-liter frunk (front trunk) for storing smaller items like charging cables.
The interior of the ES90 reflects Volvo's Scandinavian identity and design philosophy, embodying premium values through comfort, sophisticated material usage, and practicality. Notably, the long wheelbase of 3.1m ensures ample legroom for second-row passengers, providing the best ride experience for both adults and children. Moreover, it offers six ambient light themes and various seat options to create a more distinctive interior.
Additionally, a panoramic sunroof that blocks 99.9% of ultraviolet rays is standard equipment, and an electronically controlled panoramic sunroof with a single button for adjusting transparency for summer sunlight blocking or privacy is offered as an option.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a cutting-edge air purification system that can block ultra-fine dust (PM2.5) particles by up to 95% and remove 99.9% of pollen and allergens, along with a four-zone independent climate control system.
In addition, the ES90 implements excellent noise cancellation to create the quietest environment in the brand's history, while the highest trim level is equipped with a new high-fidelity sound system from Bowers & Wilkins. This system provides an immersive sound experience with a total of 25 independent high-performance speakers and Dolby Atmos spatial audio technology, featuring a new special mode that recreates the sound of the legendary Abbey Road Studios in the UK.
Moreover, the ES90 is equipped with a next-generation infotainment system from Google that supports 5G communication technology. It is designed to intuitively provide drivers with necessary information via a 9-inch driver display and a head-up display. It operates on Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform, offering smooth connectivity and excellent responsiveness. This includes third-party apps via Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. In the Korean market, connectivity developed in collaboration with Tmap Mobility will be loaded.
Additionally, the 14.5-inch center screen display features new 3D view functions to assist with smooth parking in tight spaces, in addition to navigation, entertainment, and information browsing.
Developed based on the SPA2 architecture, the ES90 applies Volvo's next-generation electric vehicle production strategy, the 'Superset Tech Stack.' This concept integrates hardware and software as modular sets, serving as the foundation for all future Volvo electric vehicles. It aims to continuously improve the vehicle's performance and safety technologies, quickly providing them via wireless updates (OTA). This may include various improvements that enhance the vehicle's performance, such as new connectivity, safety technologies, and battery range improvements based on specific driving behaviors.
Anders Bell, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Volvo Cars, explained, "The ES90 is the first model to feature a configuration with 'dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin,' boasting the strongest core computing performance in the brand's history," and added, "This will enable us to enhance safety and overall performance by leveraging data, software, and AI in the future."
The ES90 is the brand's first model to adopt the latest 800-volt technology based on electric systems and battery technology. To achieve better performance, faster charging, and higher efficiency, all components including battery cells, electric motors, inverters, and thermal management systems have been upgraded. As a result, it offers a driving range of up to 700 km on a single charge (WLTP standard) and can secure 300 km of driving range in just 10 minutes with 350 kW fast charging.
Particularly, it integrates adaptive charging software from the British startup Breathe Battery Technologie, invested through the corporate venture capital, Volvo Cars Tech Fund. This will reduce charging time by up to 30% from 10% to 80%, allowing for about 20 minutes of charging. Moreover, part of the 800-volt technology through lightweight electric motors and components reduces the overall weight of the car while achieving the lowest drag coefficient (Cd, 0.25) in the brand's history with bold body proportions.
Based on real traffic accident data research accumulated over the past 55 years, the ES90 meets Volvo Cars' stringent safety standards and is designed to protect everyone inside and outside the vehicle. This reflects complex accident scenarios that can occur in reality, surpassing the standards of conventional safety tests, and presents a new standard for safety combined with powerful core computing technology.
It is also equipped with a robust body and advanced collision protection systems, as well as optimized impact absorption zones, to effectively protect passengers in the event of an accident. In addition, the cutting-edge sensor technology, which includes one LiDAR, five RADARs, seven cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors, provides superior detection capabilities that exceed human vision to identify road hazards in advance and take proactive measures. The brand's innovative Driver Understanding System, which detects the driver's distraction and provides immediate support from danger, is also included as standard.
Moreover, it features a Door Opening Alert function that helps prevent accidents by detecting passing cyclists or pedestrians when exiting, or a Full-Cabin Occupant Sensing system that ensures children or pets are not left inside before exiting the vehicle, supporting drivers up until the moment the vehicle is stationary.
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